Billiard cue

ABSTRACT

A billiard cue comprises of a shaft portion and a bat portion which is coupled to the shaft portion. Both the shaft portion and/or the bat portion is shaped into a bar body in which a space is formed. The space is formed along a longitude of the bar body and has a cylindrical shape. The space may have a truncated cone shape. In addition, the space may be partially formed in the bar body. Furthermore, the space may have plural cylindrical space sections which are arranged along the longitude of the bar body. The cylindrical space sections have diameters which are different from one another. Bumps are positioned between the cylindrical space sections, respectively. Inasmuch as the shaft portion and/or the bat portion have the spaces, respectively, it is possible to make the billiard cue lighter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a billiard cue.

[0002] In general, a billiard cue has a shaft portion and a bat portion which is detachably coupled to the shaft portion. Both the shaft portion and the bat portion may be made of a wood material. In the billiard cue, Both the shaft portion and the bat portion are shaped into a slender truncated cone shaped bar form which has a slightly tapered outer surface. A single material or a multilayer structure material is filled as a filling material for both the shaft portion and the bat portion.

[0003] The applicant proposed a billiard cue having a multilayer structure which is made of a material such as the wood material in patent application Tokugan Hei 11-251799. In addition, the applicant proposed a billiard cue having a multilayer structure which is made of materials different from one another, as in patent application Tokugan 2000-10979.

[0004] Even if the billiard cue is made of the single material or the billiard cue has the multilayer structure of the single material, the single material or the multilayer structure is filled as the filling material in the billiard cue. Even if the multilayer structure is made of materials different from one another, the multilayer structure is filled as the filling material in the billiard cue. The filling material makes the billiard cue become comparatively heavy when the filling material is filled in the billiard cue. As a result, it is inconvenient for a woman to handle the billiard cue in the case where the woman has comparatively weak biceps. In addition, it is inconvenient for a child to handle the billiard cue when the billiard cue is come comparatively heavy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The object of this invention to provide a billiard cue that a woman and a child can easily handle.

[0006] Other objects of this invention will become clear as the description proceeds.

[0007] According to the first aspect of this invention, there is provided a billiard cue comprising of a shaft portion and a bat portion which is coupled to the shaft portion. At least one of the shaft portion and the bat portion is shaped into a bar body in which a space is formed.

[0008] According to the second aspect of this invention, there is provided a billiard cue comprising of a shaft portion and a bat portion which is coupled to the shaft portion. At least one of the shaft portion and the bat portion is shaped into a bar body in which a cylindrical space is formed along a longitude of the bar body.

[0009] According to the third aspect of this invention, there is provided a billiard cue comprising of a shaft portion and a bat portion which is coupled to the shaft portion. At least one of the shaft portion and the bat portion is shaped into a bar body in which a truncated cone shaped space is formed along a longitude of the bar body. The truncated cone shaped space extends along the longitude of the bar body.

[0010] According to the fourth aspect of this invention, there is provided a billiard cue comprising of a shaft portion and a bat portion which is coupled to the shaft portion. At least one of the shaft portion and bat portion is shaped into a bar body in which a partial space is formed.

[0011] According to the fifth aspect of this invention, there is provided a billiard cue comprising of a shaft portion and a bat portion which is coupled to the shaft portion. At least one of the shaft portion and the bat portion is shaped into a bar body in which a cylindrical space is formed along a longitude of the bar body. The cylindrical space has a number of cylindrical space sections which are arranged along the longitude of the bar body. The cylindrical space sections have diameters which are different from one another. Bumps are positioned between the cylindrical space sections, respectively.

[0012] According to the sixth aspect of this invention, there is provided a billiard cue comprising of a shaft portion and a bat portion which is coupled to the shaft portion. At least one of the shaft portion and the bat portion is shaped into a bar body having a multilayer structure having plural material portions which are integrated towards a direction perpendicular to a longitude of the bar body. A space is formed in at least one of the shaft portion and the bat portion in correspondence to the multilayer structure along the longitude of the bar body.

[0013] According to the seventh aspect of this invention, there is provided a billiard cue comprising of a shaft portion and a bat portion which is coupled to the shaft portion. At least one of the shaft portion and the bat portion is shaped into a bar body having a multilayer structure having plural material portions which are integrated towards a direction perpendicular to a longitude of the bar body. At least one partial space is partially formed in at least one of the shaft portion and the bat portion in correspondence to the multilayer structure along the longitude of the bar body. A remaining section except the multilayer structure has a material similar to a lower material portion of the multilayer structure.

[0014] According to the eighth aspect of this invention, there is provided a billiard cue comprising of a shaft portion and a bat portion which is coupled to the shaft portion. At least one of the shaft portion and the bat portion is shaped into a bar body having a multilayer structure having plural material portions which are integrated towards a direction perpendicular to a longitude of the bar body. At least one partial space is partially formed in at least one of the shaft portion and the bat portion in correspondence to the multilayer structure along the longitude of the bar body. A remaining section except the multilayer structure has a material similar to an upper material portion of the multilayer structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 shows a front view for describing a shaft portion and a bat portion of a billiard cue according to this invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 shows a prospective view with a partial cross section for describing a shaft portion of a billiard cue according to the first embodiment of this invention;

[0017]FIG. 3 shows a longitude sectional view of the shaft portion of the billiard cue illustrated in FIG. 2;

[0018]FIG. 4 shows a prospective view with a partial cross section for describing a shaft portion of a billiard cue according to the second embodiment of this invention;

[0019]FIG. 5 shows a longitude sectional view of the shaft portion of the billiard cue illustrated in FIG. 4;

[0020]FIG. 6 shows a prospective view without both ends for describing a shaft portion of a billiard cue according to the third embodiment of this invention;

[0021]FIG. 7 shows a longitude sectional view of the shaft portion of the billiard cue illustrated in FIG. 6;

[0022]FIG. 8 shows a prospective view without both ends for describing a shaft portion of a billiard cue according to the fourth embodiment of this invention;

[0023]FIG. 9 shows a longitude sectional view of the shaft portion of the billiard cue illustrated in FIG. 8;

[0024]FIG. 10 shows a prospective view without both ends for describing a shaft portion of a billiard cue according to the fifth embodiment of this invention; and

[0025]FIG. 11 shows a longitude sectional view of the shaft portion of the billiard cue illustrated in FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, the billiard cue comprises of a shaft portion 1 a and a bat portion 2 a which is detachably coupled to the shaft portion 1 a. In the illustrated example, the shaft portion la has first and second end portions 11 a and 11 b. A female screw 11 is formed on the second end portion 11 b. The bat portion 2 a has primary and secondary end portions 21 a and 21 b. A male screw 21 is formed on primary end portion 21 a. The male screw 21 is screwed into the female screw 11 as shown by a short and long dashed line in FIG. 1 so that the bat portion 2 a is coupled to the shaft portion 1 a. Both the shaft portion 1 a and the bat portion 2 a is shaped into a slender truncated cone shaped bar form. The truncated cone shaped bar form has a slightly tapered outer surface.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a description will be made in regards to a billiard cue according to the first embodiment of this invention. Attention will be directed to the shaft portion 1 a. The shaft portion 1 a has a two-layer structure which is made of materials different from each other. The two-layer structure has first and second material portions 4 a and 5 a. The first material portion 4 a is a hollow portion which is shaped into a cylindrical form. The outer surface 40 a of the first material portion 4 a is covered with the second material portion 5 a. As a result, the first material portion 4 a is positioned inside the second material portion 5 a. The first material portion 4 a may be called an inner material portion. The second material portion 5 a may be called an outer material portion. The first material portion 4 a forms an inner surface 30 a of the shaft portion 1 a. The second material portion 5 a forms an outer surface 10 a of the shaft portion 1 a.

[0028] As readily understood from the above-description, the first material portion 4 a has a cylindrical space 3 a which is defined by the inner surface 30 a of the shaft portion 1 a. The cylindrical space 3 a extends along a longitude direction of the shaft portion 1 a. The length of the cylindrical space 3 a is approximately equal to the length of the shaft portion 1 a.

[0029] Both the first and second material portions, 4 a and 5 a, are made of a material which is selected from a group comprising of alloy, light alloy, metal, wood, plywood, natural leather, artificial leather, string, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, soft synthetic resin, hard synthetic resin, glass fiber, reinforced plastic fiber such as carbon fiber, and the like. As described above, the first material portion 4 a is different in the material from the second material portion 5 a. In the example being illustrated, the first material portion 4 a is composed of the carbon fiber. The second material portion 5 a is composed of wood.

[0030] Although the bat portion 2 a is not illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bat portion 2 a may have a two-layer structure similar to the two-layer structure described in conjunction with the shaft portion 1 a illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, description will made in regards to a billiard cue according to the second embodiment of this invention. Only the shaft portion is illustrated in each of FIGS. 4 and 5. The illustrated shaft portion is different in structure from the shaft portion 1 a illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and therefore designated afresh by a reference numeral 1 b. The shaft portion 1 b is shaped into a slender truncated cone shaped bar form. The truncated cone shaped bar form has a slightly tapered outer surface. The shaft portion 1 b has a two-layer structure which is made of materials different from each other. The two-layer structure has first and second material portions 4 b and 5 b. The first material portion 4 b is different in the material from the second material portion 5 b.

[0032] The first material portion 4 b is a hollow portion which is shaped into a tube shaped form. The outer surface of the first material portion 4 b is covered with the second material portion 5 b. The first material portion 4 b forms an inner surface 30 b of the shaft portion 1 b. The second material portion 5 b forms an outer surface 10 b of the shaft portion 1 b. In the example being illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first material portion 1 b has a truncated cone shaped space 3 b which is defined by the inner surface 30 b of the shaft portion 1 b. The truncated cone shaped space 3 b extends along a longitude direction of the shaft portion 1 b. The length of the truncated cone shaped space 3 b is approximately equal to the length of the shaft portion 1 b.

[0033] In as much as the first material portion 1 b has the truncated cone shaped space, the inner surface 30 b is tapered along the longitude direction. The inclination of the inner surface 30 b is greater than that of the outer surface 40 b. Furthermore, the inclination of the inner surface 30 b is greater than that of the outer surface 10 b. The wall thickness of the first material portion 4 b becomes thicker from one end of the shaft portion 1 b to the other end of the shaft portion 1 b.

[0034] Both the first and the second material portions 4 b and 5 b are made of a material which is selected from the group comprising alloy, light alloy, metal, wood, plywood, natural leather, artificial leather, string, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, soft synthetic resin, hard synthetic resin, glass fiber, reinforced plastic fiber, and the like.

[0035] Although the inclination of the inner surface 30 b is greater than those of the outer surfaces 40 b and 10 b in the above description, the inclination of the inner surface 30 b may be approximately equal to those of the outer surfaces 40 b and 10 b. As a result, the wall thickness of the first material portion 4 b is constant. In addition, the wall thickness of the second material portion 5 b is constant.

[0036] Although the bat portion is not illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bat portion may have a two-layer structure similar to the two-layer structure described in conjunction with the shaft portion 1 b illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, description will be made in regards to a billiard cue according to the third embodiment of this invention. Only the shaft portion is illustrated in each of FIGS. 6 and 7. The illustrated shaft portion is different in structure from the shaft portion 1 a illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 and therefore designated afresh by a reference numeral 1 c. The shaft portion 1 c is shaped into a slender truncated cone shaped bar form. The truncated cone shaped bar form has a slightly tapered outer surface. The shaft portion 1 c has a two-layer structure which is made of materials different from each other. The two-layer structure has first and second material portions 4 c and 5 c. The first material portion 4 c is different in the material from the second material portion 5 c.

[0038] The first material portion 4 c is a hollow portion which is shaped into a cylindrical form. The outer surface of the first material portion 4 c is covered with the second material portion 5 c. The first material portion 4 c forms an inner surface 30 c of the shaft portion 1 c. The second material portion 5 c forms an outer surface 10 c of the shaft portion 1 c. In the example being illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first material portion 4 c has a cylindrical shaped space 3 c which is defined by the inner surface 30 c of the shaft portion 1 c. The cylindrical shaped space 3 c extends along a longitude direction of the shaft portion 1 c. The length of the cylindrical shaped space 3 c is shorter than the length of the shaft portion 1 c. The second material portion 5 c has a filler portion 6 c which is for use in the part of the shaft portion 1 c.

[0039] As readily understood from the above description, the cylindrical shaped space 3 c is formed in the shaft portion 1 c. Plural cylindrical shaped spaces may be formed in the shaft portion 1 c. In this case, the cylindrical shaped spaces are arranged along the longitude direction of the shaft portion 1 c separate from one another. More specifically, the filler portion 6 c is positioned between the cylindrical shaped spaces.

[0040] Both the first and the second material portions 4 c and 5 c are made of a material which is selected from the group comprising of alloy, light alloy, metal, wood, plywood, natural leather, artificial leather, string, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, soft synthetic resin, hard synthetic resin, glass fiber, reinforced plastic fiber, and the like.

[0041] Although the bat portion is not illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the bat portion may have a two-layer structure similar to the two-layer structure described in conjunction with the shaft portion 1 c illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, description will be made as regards a billiard cue according to the fourth embodiment of this invention. Only the shaft portion is illustrated in each of FIGS. 8 and 9. The illustrated shaft portion is different in structure from the shaft portion 1 a illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 and therefore designated afresh by a reference numeral 1 d. The shaft portion 1 d is shaped into a slender truncated cone shaped bar form. The truncated cone shaped bar form has a slightly tapered outer surface. The shaft portion 1 d has a two-layer structure which is made of materials different from each other. The two-layer structure has first and second material portions 4 d and 5 d. The first material portion 4 d is different in the material from the second material portion 5 d.

[0043] The first material portion 4 d is a hollow portion. The outer surface of the first material portion 4 d is covered with the second material portion 5 d. The first material portion 4 d forms an inner surface 30 d of the shaft portion 1 c. The second material portion 5 d forms an outer surface 10 d of the shaft portion 1 c. In the example being illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first material portion 4 d has a cylindrical shaped space 3 d which is defined by the inner surface 30 d of the shaft portion 1 d. The cylindrical shaped space 3 d extends along a longitude direction of the shaft portion 1 d. The length of the cylindrical shaped space 3 d is shorter than the length of the shaft portion 1 d. The first material portion 4 d has a filler portion 6 d which is for use in the part of the shaft portion 1 d.

[0044] As readily understood from the above description, the cylindrical shaped space 3 d is formed in the shaft portion 1 d. Plural cylindrical shaped spaces may be formed in the shaft portion 1 d. In this case, the cylindrical shaped spaces are arranged along the longitude direction of the shaft portion 1 d separate from one another. More specifically, the filler portion 6 d is positioned between the cylindrical shaped spaces.

[0045] Both the first and the second material portions 4 d and 5 d are made of a material which is selected from the group comprising alloy, light alloy, metal, wood, plywood, natural leather, artificial leather, string, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, soft synthetic resin, hard synthetic resin, glass fiber, reinforced plastic fiber, and the like.

[0046] Although the bat portion is not illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the bat portion may have a two-layer structure similar to the two-layer structure described in conjunction with the shaft portion 1 c illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, description will be made in regards to a billiard cue according to the fifth embodiment of this invention. Only the shaft portion is illustrated in each of FIGS. 10 and 11. The illustrated shaft portion is different in structure from the shaft portion 1 a illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 and therefore designated afresh by a reference numeral 1 e. The shaft portion 1 e is shaped into a slender truncated cone shaped bar form. The truncated cone shaped bar form has a slightly tapered outer surface. The shaft portion 1 e has a multilayer structure made of materials which may be different from one another. The multilayer structure has first and second material portions 4 e and 5 e.

[0048] The first material portion 4 e comprises of primary and secondary members 41 e and 42 e. Both the primary and secondary members 41 e and 42 e may be, for example, a cylindrical member. Each of the primary and secondary members 41 e and 42 e extends along a longitude direction of the shaft portion 1 e. In addition, a length of the primary member 41 e is shorter than that of the secondary member 42 e. A bore of the primary member 41 e is smaller than that of the secondary member 42 e.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the outer surface of the secondary member 42 e is covered with the second material portion 5 e. The outer surface of the primary member 41 e is covered with the secondary member 42 e. The second material portion 5 e forms an outer surface 10 e of the shaft portion 1 e.

[0050] In the example being illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the primary member 41 e has a cylindrical shaped space 31 e which is defined by an inner surface of the primary member 41 e. Furthermore, the secondary member has a cylindrical shaped space 32 e which is defined by an inner surface of the primary member 42 e. The diameter of the cylindrical shaped space 31 e is smaller than that of the cylindrical shaped space 32 e. The cylindrical shaped spaces 31 e and 32 e are arranged along the longitude direction of the shaft portion 1 e. As a result, a bump 7 is formed on the inner surface of the shaft portion 1 e.

[0051] As readily understood from the above description, the cylindrical shaped spaces 31 e and 32 e are formed in the shaft portion 1 e. Plural cylindrical shaped spaces, which have diameters different from one another, may be formed in the shaft portion 1 d. In this case, the cylindrical spaces are arranged along the longitude of the shaft portion 1 e.

[0052] Both the first and the second material portions 4 e and 5 e are made of the material which is selected from the group comprising alloy, light alloy, metal, wood, plywood, natural leather, artificial leather, string, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, soft synthetic resin, hard synthetic resin, glass fiber, reinforced plastic fiber, and the like.

[0053] Although the bat portion is not illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the bat portion may have a multilayer structure similar to the multilayer structure described in conjunction with the shaft portion 1 c illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0054] All of the spaces described in conjunction with FIGS. 2 to 11 may be formed in the shaft portion and/or the bat portion. In addition, the shaft portion and/or the bat portion may have a single-layer structure when spaces are formed in the shaft portion and/or the bat portion, respectively. Furthermore, the shaft portion and/or the bat portion may have a multilayer structure which is not less in number than three.

[0055] When the shaft portion and/or the bat portion have the single-layer structure or have the multilayer structure which is not less in number than three, the shaft portion and/or the bat portion are made of the material or materials which are selected from the group comprising of alloy, light alloy, metal, wood, plywood, natural leather, artificial leather, string, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, soft synthetic resin, hard synthetic resin, glass fiber, the reinforced plastic fiber such as the carbon fiber, and the like.

[0056] In the multilayer structure, layered materials are joined to one another with adhesive. It is desired that space is formed in at least the shaft portion.

[0057] As described above, it is possible to obtain a good connection between the billiard cue and a ball, during billiard play, due to the billiard cue's hollow portion according to this invention. Furthermore, sound effectively echoes when the billiard cue hits the ball, due to the billiard cue's hollow portion. In addition, the sound or tone varies when the billiard cue hits the ball in the best condition or when the billiard cue fouls the ball, due to the billiard cue's hollow portion. As a result, it is possible to render services to improve of billiard technique due to the increase of accuracy of hit.

[0058] The billiard cue becomes light due to the billiard cue's hollow portion. As a result, it is possible for a woman to easily handle the billiard cue even if the woman has a comparatively weak biceps. In addition, it is possible for a child to easily handle the billiard cue.

[0059] As described above, the space formed in the billiard cue is not simple as the billiard cue has a combination of plural materials which are different from one another. Therefore, it is possible to obtain greater strength than that of the conventional billiard cue. It is possible to transfer a touch from a player's hand when the player jabs the billiard cue toward the ball.

[0060] In addition, it is possible to delicately change the way in which a spin is given to a ball on jabbing the ball. It is possible to delicately change the way in which the ball curves on jabbing the ball. As a result, it is possible for unexpected moves to be played during a game.

[0061] While this invention has thus far been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments thereof, it will readily be possible for those skilled in the art to put this invention into practice in various other manners. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A billiard cue comprising a shaft portion and a bat portion which is coupled to said shaft portion, wherein at least one of said shaft portion and said bat portion is shaped into a bar body in which a space is formed.
 2. A billiard cue comprising of a shaft portion and a bat portion which is coupled to said shaft portion, wherein at least one of said shaft portion and said bat portion is shaped into a bar body in which a cylindrical space is formed along a longitude of said bar body.
 3. A billiard cue comprising of a shaft portion and a bat portion which is coupled to said shaft portion, wherein at least one of said shaft portion and said bat portion is shaped into a bar body in which a truncated cone shaped space is formed along a longitude of said bar body, said truncated cone shaped space extending along the longitude of said bar body.
 4. A billiard cue comprising a shaft portion and a bat portion which is coupled to said shaft portion, wherein at least one of said shaft portion and said .bat portion is shaped into a bar body in which a partial space is formed.
 5. A billiard cue comprising of a shaft portion and a bat portion which is coupled to said shaft portion, wherein: at least one of said shaft portion and said bat portion is shaped into a bar body in which a cylindrical space is formed along a longitude of said bar body; said cylindrical space having plural cylindrical space sections which are arranged along the longitude of said bar body, said cylindrical space sections having diameters which are different from one another; and bumps being positioned between said cylindrical space sections, respectively.
 6. A billiard cue comprising of a shaft portion and a bat portion which is coupled to said shaft portion, wherein: at least one of said shaft portion and said bat portion is shaped into a bar body comprising a multilayer structure having plural material portions which are integrated towards a direction perpendicular to a longitude of said bar body; and a space being formed in at least one of said shaft portion and said bat portion in correspondence to said multilayer structure along the longitude of said bar body.
 7. A billiard cue comprising of a shaft portion and a bat portion which is coupled to said shaft portion, wherein: at least one of said shaft portion and said bat portion is shaped into a bar body having a multilayer structure having plural material portions which are integrated towards a direction perpendicular to a longitude of said bar body; at least one partial space being partially formed in at least one of said shaft portion and said bat portion in correspondence to said multilayer structure along the longitude of said bar body; and a remaining section except said multilayer structure having a material similar to a lower material portion of said multilayer structure.
 8. A billiard cue comprising of a shaft portion and a bat portion which is coupled to said shaft portion, wherein: at least one of said shaft portion and said bat portion is shaped into a bar body having a multilayer structure having plural material portions which are integrated towards a direction perpendicular to a longitude of said bar body; at least one partial space being partially formed in at least one of said shaft portion and said bat portion in correspondence to said multilayer structure along the longitude of said bar body; and a remaining section except said multilayer structure having a material similar to an upper material portion of said multilayer structure. 